The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is a national public health agency in the Department of Health and Human Services. The mission of the agency is to minimize the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on the communities of America. A new national study conducted by the SAMHSA showed that there was a 55 percent increase in emergency department visits for drug-related suicide attempts by men aged between 21 to 34, from 2005 to 2009.
Apart from the misuse of the prescription drugs, even illicit drug abuse is found to be responsible for increased deaths among Americans. Illicit drugs including marijuana, cocaine, heroin and so on are being used commonly by the people of the United States. Many warning signs like displaying mood swings, increasing use of alcohol or drugs, withdrawing or feeling isolated, and so on should be noted among substance users. In order to save lives, it is necessary to create awareness about the warning signs and risk factors for suicide including the use of alcohol and drugs.